Museums and galleries throughout the UK are holding Kids Aloud sessions, set times when children are free to be loud, curious, and full of energy. Launched by Art Fund after parent feedback, the initiative shows museums can welcome playful kids just as much as quiet adults.
Art Fund’s research shows that 92% of parents believe visiting museums or galleries benefits their children. However, 58% say they would visit more often if there were designated hours allowing kids to be themselves. Still, 52% worry their children might run around and break something, and 47% are concerned about noise and excitable behavior.
The Kids Aloud campaign creates welcoming spaces where children and their parents can feel at ease and fully express themselves without fear of judgment.
Grace Divall from Art Fund emphasized that museums and galleries should be accessible to people of all ages, starting from birth. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to making these spaces welcoming and inclusive for families.
The Kids Aloud program returns this summer to Leeds Art Gallery in Millennium Square, offering dedicated time slots where parents and children can explore freely without worrying about noise. Alongside these sessions, special events are planned to make the experience even more engaging for families.
Similarly, parents in Manchester are encouraged to bring their children to the city’s art gallery, where kids are welcome to make as much noise as they like. Now in its second year, the event at Manchester Art Gallery offers reservable drop-in sessions.
Across the UK, events under the program include drop-in sessions for children to explore galleries, creative workshops inspired by exhibits, and themed activities like “Pattern Making Poetry.” Families can also take part in hands-on projects such as medal design and sculpture making, using family trails and sensory bags to navigate the exhibitions.
Founded in 1903 by activist Christiana Herringham, Art Fund is an independent nonprofit dedicated to ensuring public access to important works of art. Driven by the conviction that art access is crucial to a thriving society, it invests in UK museums to build stronger collections and connect with wider audiences.
